Photo: Severstal Cherepovets forward and New York Rangers prospect Pavel Buchnevich represented Russia at the 2015 World Junior Championship, scoring one goal and five assists in seven games (courtesy of Terry Wilson/CHL Images)

Forward is traditionally the position that is most productive for Russia, as evidenced by the success rate of Russian-born NHL forwards and the recent good performances at the World Junior Championship. Read more»

In the AHL, one player who is ascending back to top prospect status goes head-to-head against a record-setting goaltender. In NCAA action, the Big Ten may be decided this weekend as the two top teams and their leaders clash. The battle for the last playoff spot in the OHL’s Western Conference heats up with a pivotal game between two of the teams fighting to get in. Two solid games in the QMJHL and WHL complete this week’s Prospect Faceoff. Read more»

Photo: Kelowna’s Rourke Chartier is one of several San Jose Sharks prospects having a great season in the CHL. (courtesy of Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)

The San Jose Sharks prospect pool has improved greatly over the past season, quietly becoming one of the more respectable collections of prospects in the league. This surge is due in large part to the organizational desire to get younger, the 2014 NHL draft class, and the aggressive free agent signings of Barclay Goodrow and Nikita Jevpalovs.

Photo: U.S. NTDP forward and 2015 prospect Christian Fischer (#21) has produced 20 goals and 20 assists in 48 games for the USA’s U18 National squad (courtesy of Richard T. Gagnon/Getty Images)

In this week’s Prospect Impressions, take a look as a Notre Dame goaltender breaks an all-time NCAA hockey record. In addition, a future Fighting Irish recruit snagged a record of his own in the USHL. Also, a trio of players rewarded their teams with tremendous individuals efforts. Finally, a look at one WHL veteran who has become more than just a fighter. Read more»

Photo: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds defenseman and Edmonton Oilers prospect Darnell Nurse won gold with Team Canada at the 2015 World Junior Championship, and he is poised to make a run at the OHL championship with the Greyhounds (courtesy of Terry Wilson/OHL Images

The OHL has long been known for providing elite offensive forward talent to the NHL. Defensemen facing that type of player on a regular basis should result in a comparable coterie of elite defensive prospects whose talents have been honed by facing such formidable opposition. Read more»